Accident Sequence
The pilot initiated a soft field takeoff from the left side of the turf runway, where the surface was firmer. After becoming airborne, the airplane climbed to approximately 20 feet above ground level. At that altitude, the airplane encountered wind gusts from the right. The gusty conditions caused the airplane to drift to the left, where it collided with a windsock pole. Following the collision, the airplane impacted the ground.
Damage
Both wings sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact with the windsock pole and the subsequent ground contact.
Meteorological Information
The nearest METAR weather observation, recorded around the time of the accident, reported wind from 170° at 17 knots, with gusts to 22 knots.
Pilot Comments
In the recommendation section of the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if the takeoff had been initiated from the center of the runway. The pilot also reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.